Panama Planning

[KSDisneyDad]

Hi ho--trying to piece together excursion plans at the last minute, and soliciting opinions:

There appear to be 2 zipline activities--one in Puerto Vallerta and one in Cabo--anyone hear of one being better than another?

There are also 2 Acapulco tours with cliff-divers. Again, any preferences?

Am I the only one who is a little frightened of the cleansing Shaman in Puerto? Or at least of the unknown prices?

We're doing a non-Disney zipline in PV as the age cut-off on Disney is 10 vs 6 on some of the non-DIsney zipline tours.

Acapulco -- we're just doing the least expensive of the two cliff-diver tours (hopefully we'll get it booked tomorrow night!)

What is the cleansing Shaman?

 

[tom31b]

I think she has the first number wrong, the ship is full, the 1800 repeat guests seems correct, it was 1750 for the 2005 E/bound,

Unless they add the kids 500 to the 2100 adults, that would make sense.

Laura would not mind me saying this, she is easily confused!

I wonder if given the time of year and school, are there a lot more 2 person cabins than usual and therefore the number is less?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

I wonder if given the time of year and school, are there a lot more 2 person cabins than usual and therefore the number is less?

The Repo in 2005 left on August 20th and was absolutly full of kids, on all my cruises it had the highest level I have ever seen.

Just as a side all us Brits going on it, our kids go back in September so it isnt a problem for us.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

As of early Sunday morning this was available.

Category 05
Deluxe Stateroom w/ Verandah $ 12,715.16


Category 06
Deluxe Stateroom w/ Verandah $ 12,515.16


Category 08
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom $ 10,755.16


Category 09
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom $ 10,155.16


Category 10
Deluxe Inside Stateroom $ 9,055.16

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Even more opened up including Cat 12's now!!! Nearly everything from Cat 5 down,people have until tonight to pay up, so this is not any automatic cancellation by DCL, I presume if people haven't paid by midnight tonight, DCL would try to make contact direct or via TA.

This is people canceling, and whilst we saw this a bit in 2005, and I expected some, this is now far far higher than previous cruises, I think this reflects the current economic situation, the cruise of course is a cost, but then there are flights pre post hotel stays, transport costs the purchases for kids etc all mounts up when some people are in tight circumstances and have other priorities for their cash.

I think, the late cancellation in indicative of this situation people holding on to the very last minute and deciding if they can go and make it, and afford it or not.

So we are seeing lower Cats open up a lot, again, may reflect the economic situation, people booking higher Cats maybe more financially better off, to have confidence to book higher Cats and the cash for verandas etc, people on lower Cats have booked those, possibly because they stretched their budget to get on, ( some because they prefer it).

So in an economic downturn the lower Cats will cancel more, plus as this is a panama cruise, I think people might also prefer to try for an outside room.

This also might have a knock on effect to Palo and Shore trips, if people have streched their budgets to get on and stay on, thoose extra costs, will have to be budgeted for, so expensive Shore trips like the Mangroves, might have availability for longer, people might do more, on their own like Acapulco, and as Palo has gone up to $15pp, - not too much, but mounts up if you do all, people might cut back in this and Spa treatments, wil lbe interesting to see.

 

[joksten2000]

For all the people who were looking forward to this cruise and now can't make it. Wish I could wave a and make the economy better. I can't ever remember things being this bad. People losing their homes. Now I know there are a lot of people that kept borrowing money on their homes to support a unrealistic life style, still have to feel bad for them, getting caught up in the frenzy. Can't ever see things getting much better either. Gas will never go down we're finally catching up to the rest of the world. Economies of India & China may make us a second class country. Thank goodness we saved saved saved. Even we feel the pinch when interest goes from 5.4% to 3.4%

On another subject, tried to look at available excursions on DCL and they are having problems with the site, hope they get that fixed quickly.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

For all the people who were looking forward to this cruise and now can't make it. Wish I could wave a and make the economy better. I can't ever remember things being this bad. People losing their homes. Now I know there are a lot of people that kept borrowing money on their homes to support a unrealistic life style, still have to feel bad for them, getting caught up in the frenzy. Can't ever see things getting much better either. Gas will never go down we're finally catching up to the rest of the world. Economies of India & China may make us a second class country. Thank goodness we saved saved saved. Even we feel the pinch when interest goes from 5.4% to 3.4%

On another subject, tried to look at available excursions on DCL and they are having problems with the site, hope they get that fixed quickly.

Agree,

and yes DCL website has been down for a few hours, when I got up I obtained some quotes on rooms free on the E/bound then about three hours ago it went down.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

DCL SITE BACK UP

These quotes are for two adults.

Category 06
Deluxe Stateroom w/ Verandah $ 8,357.58

Category 08
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom $ 7,097.58


Category 09
Deluxe Oceanview Stateroom $ 6,597.58


Category 12
Standard Inside Stateroom $ 5,197.58

 

[Joy2theWorld]

Will I be able to book Palo for a brunch and dinner or just one or the other when the reservation window opens? Last time we did the romance package and the lady booked both for us when I called to book the dinner.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Will I be able to book Palo for a brunch and dinner or just one or the other when the reservation window opens? Last time we did the romance package and the lady booked both for us when I called to book the dinner.

You can book one of each, if available of Brunch, Dinner, and afternoon tea.

 

[Joy2theWorld]

Thanks! We had afternoon tea last time too, but missed it for some reason. Probably had too many things we wanted to do... one reason we are looking forward to the 15 nights!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thanks! We had afternoon tea last time too, but missed it for some reason. Probably had too many things we wanted to do... one reason we are looking forward to the 15 nights!

Well good luck, I enjoyed afternoon tea the first time I did it, however in the Med it wasn't very good the scones were burnt, and a little flat even the server we know was em brassed and said chef had a bad day

 

[Joy2theWorld]

Since you are answering questions so quickly and seem to know so much... Is there anywhere that I can find the "themes" for each of the nights of the cruise already or will we have to wait?

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Since you are answering questions so quickly and seem to know so much... Is there anywhere that I can find the "themes" for each of the nights of the cruise already or will we have to wait?

He he, I do not know that, !!!!!!

Want my guess and Its not accurate so, its a guide only.

IMPORTANT DATES WESTBOUND
May 10th We Sail Away! 1) Welcome Aboard
May 11th Castaway Cay 9am-5pm2) Ricky Kalmon
May 12th Sea Day Formal Night3) Golden Mickeys
May 13th Sea Day4) When Mickey Dreams
May 14th Aruba 7:30am-6 pm Tropical Night5) Kevin Johnson
May 15th Sea Day6) Scott Record
May 16th Panama Canal Day!Preimear film
May 17th Sea Day Semi Formal Night 7) Twice Charmed
May 18th Sea Day8) Art of the Story
May 19th Acapulco 12noon-9:30pm Mexican Deck Party9) Los Caporales Festival Folklorico
May 20th Sea Day10) Joey Fatone and Alphonso Ribeiro
May 21st Puerto Vallarta 7:30am-4:45pm11) Crew Talent SHow
May 22nd Cabo San Lucas 8am-7:30pm Pirate Night12) Mike Super
May 23rd Sea Day Formal Ballroom under the Stars Night 13) Enchanted
May 24th Sea Day14) Remember the magic
May 25th Port of L.A. they drag us off the ship

SO A GUESS!

Sunday August 17, 2008 Los Angeles

(Embarkation Day) - Let The Magic Begin Welcome aboard show
Monday August 18, 2008 At Sea
Taste of California / Formal night/ Formal Ballroom under the Stars Night /Film

Tuesday August 19, 2008 Cabo San Lucas
Pirate night, or Mexician night Mike Super,

Wednesday August 20, 2008 Puerto Vallarta
Casual, Mexican party Local entertainment Los Caporales Festival Folklorico

Thursday August 21, 2008 At Sea
Semi formal: Joey Fatone and Alphonso Ribeiro

Friday August 22, 2008 Acapulco
Casual (afternoon deck party)Guest entertainer in evening.

Saturday August 23, 2008 At Sea
Sunday August 24, 2008 At Sea
Rotational Semi formal/ Twice Charmed/ Art of the Story/ Maybe Pirate and princess dinner?

Monday August 25, 2008 Panama Canal
East Meets West /Casual/ Film in WDW T Prince Caspain? Nania?

Tuesday August 26, 2008 Cartagena
Casual-Possible Deck party night, Pirate/Tropical

Wednesday August 27, 2008 At Sea
Formal Disney show or Scott Record/ Rotational

Thursday August 28, 2008 Aruba
Pirate attire Pirate night/ Tropical Night Kevin Johnson

Friday August 29, 2008 At Sea
Golden Mickeys night/Formal/Semi?

Saturday August 30, 2008 At Sea
Captain's Gala Semi formal/Disney show/CM talent show

Sunday August 31, 2008 Castaway Cay
Till We Meet Again /Casual Farewell show

Actual entertainers based on Westbound and for an example only,

 

[Joy2theWorld]

Thank you. I thought perhaps it was in the planning packet and since we only booked this week, we won't probably get ours for quite awhile.
Perhaps we'll get Donny Osmond instead!

 

[Joy2theWorld]

Oh, I have another question. Since you have been to many of these ports, where will I find the best shopping? I am guessing for jewelry is might be Aruba, but I might be wrong. I will stear clear of the emeralds in Columbia. I'm not a huge fan anyhow... simply not sparkly enough!

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

Thank you. I thought perhaps it was in the planning packet and since we only booked this week, we won't probably get ours for quite awhile.
Perhaps we'll get Donny Osmond instead!

Yes he canceled on the westbound, Anyway another warning, it was set up for myself for my use tonight, and is not based on any inside information, other than what DCL told us.

The following are a few of the entertainment options that will be
offered during the 15-Night Panama Canal sailings.

You will enjoy the following theatre productions:

Welcome Aboard Variety Show (50 minutes) - A stage production featuring
variety acts, musical performances, and a cavalcade of Disney characters

The Golden Mickeys (50 minutes) - This character-filled musical review
uses all the glitz and glamour of an awards show to honor the wonderful
animated films and characters that have filled our lives for over 75
years. The Guests, too, are treated as celebrities and given red carpet
treatment. This spectacular live stage show takes guests on a wonderful
journey to celebrate comedy, romance, heroes and those characters we
love to hate, the villains of Disney films.

When Mickey Dreams (50 minutes)  Mickey Mouses dreams come to life in
this musical spectacle guided by a cast of Cirque-like dream seekers.
The shows acrobatics and aerial stunts will thrill guests, while a
nightmare visit by the evil fairy, Maleficent, serves up a few chills.

Disneys The Art of the Story (50 minutes)  This celebration of
storytellings magic features more than 20 performers, Disney characters
from Mulan to Tarzan and a variety of production numbers from classic
Disney films including Beauty and the Beast and The Lion King.

Twice Charmed - An Original Twist on the Cinderella Story (50 minutes) -
The show begins at the end of the famous story as Cinderella and her
Prince are wed. However, Cinderellas evil stepmother, Lady Tremaine,
and her obnoxious stepsisters believe that if it werent for the glass
slippers, Cinderella would never have won the heart of the prince. They
call upon Lady Tremaines evil Fairy Godfather for help, and trouble
ensues.

Disney Dreams...An Enchanted Classic (55 minutes) - One of the most
popular shows, Disney Dreams, is enhanced as Disney Dreams&.An
Enchanted Classic, with elaborate special effects, animation and new
scenic elements.

Farewell Variety Show (50 minutes)

Six Specialty Shows (50 minutes) - These shows are uniquely designed for
our Guests cruising on this special itinerary. The details could ruin
the surprise!

Deck Parties - Up on deck, you will enjoy three high energy evening deck
parties. These will be experienced at Aruba, Acapulco, and Cabo San
Lucas. Two afternoon deck parties will also be offered on these cruises.

You should refer to your Personal Navigator onboard for details and
times of all activities. Entertainment is subject to change.

I hope this information has been helpful. If you require further
assistance in planning your visit, please feel free to contact us.

We look forward to sailing with you! Have a Magical Day!

 

[minnieandmickey]

It would be nice if Donny came back and sang his song (or any song ) from Mulan. But I thought he was going out on tour with the rest of the Osmonds.

 

[Andrew DEREK UK]

It would be nice if Donny came back and sang his song (or any song ) from Mulan. But I thought he was going out on tour with the rest of the Osmonds.

I want Julie Andrews!

 

[Belle Beast]

SO A GUESS!

Sunday August 17, 2008 Los Angeles

(Embarkation Day) - Let The Magic Begin Welcome aboard show
Monday August 18, 2008 At Sea
Taste of California / Formal night/ Formal Ballroom under the Stars Night /Film

Tuesday August 19, 2008 Cabo San Lucas
Pirate night, or Mexician night Mike Super,

Wednesday August 20, 2008 Puerto Vallarta
Casual, Mexican party Local entertainment Los Caporales Festival Folklorico

Thursday August 21, 2008 At Sea
Semi formal: Joey Fatone and Alphonso Ribeiro

Friday August 22, 2008 Acapulco
Casual (afternoon deck party)Guest entertainer in evening.

Saturday August 23, 2008 At Sea
Sunday August 24, 2008 At Sea
Rotational Semi formal/ Twice Charmed/ Art of the Story/ Maybe Pirate and princess dinner?

Monday August 25, 2008 Panama Canal
East Meets West /Casual/ Film in WDW T Prince Caspain? Nania?

Tuesday August 26, 2008 Cartagena
Casual-Possible Deck party night, Pirate/Tropical

Wednesday August 27, 2008 At Sea
Formal Disney show or Scott Record/ Rotational

Thursday August 28, 2008 Aruba
Pirate attire Pirate night/ Tropical Night Kevin Johnson

Friday August 29, 2008 At Sea
Golden Mickeys night/Formal/Semi?

Saturday August 30, 2008 At Sea
Captain's Gala Semi formal/Disney show/CM talent show

Sunday August 31, 2008 Castaway Cay
Till We Meet Again /Casual Farewell show

Actual entertainers based on Westbound and for an example only,

I called DCL last week and they had some general information that was helpful.

There will be one formal night (3rd night) and one semi-formal (don't remember).

Also at the end there will be a pirate night on the 29th followed by a Ballroom under the Stars themed night which could really be considered the second formal night. I really think this is the big night for the Prince Charming and Cinderellas to shine.

There are tropical and mexican theme nights, but the cruise really ends with a bang on two consecutive nights: Pirates on the 29th and Princesses on the 30th.